Box Office News

'The Avengers'' Biggest Box Office Rivals

By:
Margaret Hartmann

May 06, 2012 | 3:41pm EDT

This weekend The Avengers set a new record by taking in $200.3 million on its opening weekend, far surpassing the $150 million expected. It's certainly impressive, but it actually isn't that surprising when you look back at the other films in the top 10 for the biggest debut weekends.

Every movie in the top 10 is a sequel, with the exception of The Hunger Games. Since The Avengers is essentially the sequel to Captain America: The First Avenger, Thor, Iron Man 2, and The Incredible Hulk, the film has four times the draw of a regular sequel. Plus, the movie was written and directed by Joss Whedon, who has a devoted cult following. Here's a look at the other films rounding out the top 10:

Film:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Opening: $169,189,427

Release Date: 7/15/2011

Film:The Dark Knight

Opening: $158,411,483

Release Date: 7/18/2008

Film:The Hunger Games

Opening: $152,535,747

Release Date: 3/23/2012

Film:Spider-Man 3

Opening: $151,116,516

Release Date: 5/4/2007

Film:The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Opening: $142,839,137

Release Date: 11/20/2009

Film: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

Opening: $138,122,261

Release Date: 11/18/2011

Film:Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Opening: $135,634,554

Release Date: 7/7/2006

Film:Iron Man 2

Opening: $128,122,480

Release Date: 5/7/2010

Film:Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1

Opening: $125,017,372

Release Date: 11/19/2010

It's likely there will be another entry to the list this summer. 2008's The Dark Knight, the sequel to Batman Begins, had the third biggest opening weekend ever, and The Dark Knight Rises, may join The Avengers in the over $200 million club on July 20, 2012.